Noted Marathi actor Nilu Phule dead

Versatile Marathi film and stage personality Nilu Phule died at a hospital here early on Monday after a long battle with cancer.

Phule was 79. The actor breathed his last in the hospital where he had been admitted on July 5 for treatment of cancer of the oesophagus.

He is survived by his wife and a daughter. The demise of Phule, described as the most "accomplished villain", drew the curtains on one of the most memorable chapters that spanned over four decades in Marathi films and stage.

He had acted in over 130 films that bore his stamp as a talented artiste. But Marathi film industry got its most celebrated villain in Nilu with his debut film 'Ek Gav Bara Bhangdi'.

His roles in 'Saamna', 'Pinjra' (directed by V Shantaram), 'Sinhasan' were widely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.